FTW: Reel Anime 2013 Prize Packs

AS Reel Anime returns to Melbourne this year, some of the year’s most anticipated anime releases can be seen on the big screen. Elizabeth Yick fills you in on the film festival and explains how you can win two prize packs filled with Reel Anime goodies.

From October 3 – 16, anime lovers will be able to catch some of the biggest releases in Japanese animation all on the big screen. Courtesy of Australian distribution house Madman Entertainment, Reel Anime 2013 is a theatrical festival that showcases the freshest anime feature films outside of Japan, in Australia and New Zealand. The Melbourne leg of the mini film festival will be hosted at Cinema Nova in Carlton.

This year’s line up of films consists of cutting edge anime with five films: Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, 009 RE:Cyborg, A Letter To Momo, Ghost in the Shell: Arise and The Garden of Words. Note that Ghost in the Shell: Arise and The Garden of Words will be screening as a back-to-back double feature.

Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo

Asuka Shikinami – one of the Evangelion‘s most popular heroines. Image courtesy of Madman Entertainment.

The third feature-length film in creator Hideaki Anno’s reconstruction of his own ground breaking anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo opens with protagonist Shinji awakening to a world that is cruelly different and almost unrecognisable.

With its cutting-edge animation, heightened emotions and deep philosophy, Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo is a must-see for all anime lovers and for those already in love with Anno’s beloved series.

A modern re-imagination of the hugely influential Japanese manga series Cyborg 009 by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori, this film will be offered in full stereoscopic 3D screenings.

009 RE:Cyborg tells the story of nine cybernetic heroes who come together to protect a world that they no longer seem to belong to.

Often described as the Japanese equivalent of Marvel’s X-Men, 009 RE:Cyborg should not be missed.

A Letter to Momo

Film festival darling, A Letter to Momo, screens at Reel Anime this year. Image courtesy of Madman Entertainment.

Momo is a young girl whose father had left her a letter with the words “Dear Momo,” and nothing else. Upon moving to the remote island of Shio, Momo discovers three goblins living in her attic, who may very well hold the key to what Momo’s father has been trying to tell her all along.

A Letter to Momo is a heart-warming story that will mesmerise children and adults alike. Having won the Grand Prize at the 2012 New York International Children’s Film Festival, as well as Best Animated Feature Film at the 2012 Asia Pacific Screen Awards, this film festival darling looks to be a winning anime for families.

Ghost in Shell: Arise

The untold story of Makoto Kusanagi and her future Section 9 team play out in Ghost in the Shell: Arise. Image courtesy of Madman Entertainment.

The first of four all-new OVA (original video animal) installments, Ghost in the Shell: Arise is a long-awaited prequel story to the hugely popular Ghost in the Shell series.

The film follows protagonist Motoko Kunsangi and her future Section 9 colleagues in an investigation of a bombing incident of Newport City.

The Ghost in the Shell series has a legion of fans worldwide and is undoubtedly high on the watch list of sci-fi anime enthusiasts.

The Garden of Words

Following last year’s Reel Anime showing of his film Children Who Chase Lost Voices, acclaimed anime director Makoto Shinkai returns with his new film, The Garden of Words. Image courtesy of Madman Entertainment.

When young student Takao decides to skip school, he meets Yukino, an older girl, by chance in a rainy garden. Despite their age difference, the two strike up an unusual and expected relationship.

The Garden of Words is the latest work from acclaimed filmmaker Makoto Shinkai where the filmmaker explores the chance encounter between two lonely people, its possibilities and challenges.

To celebrate the impending arrival of Reel Anime 2013, Meld Magazine have a major and minor prize pack to give away to readers!

The major prize pack winner will score a Reel Anime 2013 poster as well as much of the Reel Anime collection on DVD. These include past Reel Anime titles: Evangelion 1.11, Evangelion 2.22, From Up On Poppy Hill, Children Who Chase Lost Voices, Berserk: The Egg of the King, Summer Wars, King of Thorn and Redline.

If you’re not lucky with the major prize, one lucky runner up will receive a Reel Anime 2013 poster and last year’s Reel Anime titles on DVD: From Up On Poppy Hill, Children Who Chase Lost Voices and Berserk: The Egg of the King.

For a chance to win the major or minor prize, simply enter the competition below! Closing date for entries is Monday, September 23!

Reel Anime 2013 will open October 3 in Melbourne, at Cinema Nova in Carlton. Session times and tickets are available online through the Cinema Nova website, with season passes also available to be purchased directly from the cinema. For more information, visit the official event page for Reel Anime 2013.